Rochdale’s first signing of the close season, Donal McDermott, has told Dale Player that he is looking forward to getting a full pre-season under his belt and competing for a place in the side next season.
McDermott, who is 25-years-old, put pen to paper on a one-year-deal on Thursday, following a successful trial period.
“I was quite unfit when I came in on trial so I was just concentrating on doing a bit of running, but the lads all seem sound and they’re obviously a good footballing team by the looks of things, so I can’t wait to get started,” said McDermott.
“I’ve been out of the league for a year and a bit now so I’m just glad to have been given an opportunity to get back in.
“With the opportunity that has been handed to me I’m going to have to work and graft.
“I’ve been at a couple of non-league teams over the past couple of months, but I’m looking forward to getting a pre-season under my belt.”
After leaving Bournemouth in 2014, McDermott joined Dundalk, before returning to England at the end of the Irish Premier Division season. He has featured for Salford City FC and Ramsbottom United this year.
“I needed to come away from it because I think I was too comfortable playing in the league. I needed to realise how tough it is to get back in and how lucky you are to be in it in the first place.
“I think it’ll have done me good and now I can just crack on.”
The full interview is available to view on Dale Player.